*a Balck Kitten With White Ears Pops Their Head Between A Door* Mew? *they're Lost*

"Yup! We're all Jim. I'm ~Reporter Jim.~"

°I am 'Cameraman Jim.'°

¶-Newscaster Jim.- Our name is a family tradition of sorts, so our brothers and our mother were all named Jim.¶

"Hiya!"

°Oh- hello there!°

*RJ waves with a hand not occupied by a book.*

"Hi!"

*NJ gives a wave from the kitchen.*

Things to Know About Writing Autistic People

Autism comes on a spectrum. Some of us require more support than others. Some of us are better at masking/fitting in with our peers. Some of us are nonverbal, while some talk a lot. Some stim openly and publicly, while some don’t.

It’s fine to say “autistic person.” You don’t have to say “person with autism.” Person-first language implies that having autism or referring to us as autistic is bad, when it isn’t. You wouldn’t say “person with shortness” to refer to a short person, would you?

Autism is NOT a mental illness, and it doesn’t need a cure. It is classified as a developmental disorder, not any sort of mental illness. Every autistic person that I’ve talked to has been adamantly against a cure, because there’s nothing wrong with having autism.

There are many different types of stimming. Hand-flapping isn’t the only one. Chewing on things (shirts, chew necklaces, etc), rocking, fidgeting with our hands, playing with a stim toy (tangle, fidget cube, etc), bouncing, tapping, and even vocal stims are also common and valid.

Our special interests are varied. Sure, things like trains or space or dinosaurs may be special interests that a lot of autistic people have, but switch it up a little. My special interests, for example, are rainforests, witchcraft, movies, the Periodic Table, and random fun facts.

While we’re on that topic, special interests are basically like diamonds to us. When I think about my favorite movies or TV shows, I get all happy and I can’t help but smile. I can literally talk about my special interests for so long. Often, after I introduce myself to someone new, I’ll say “Have you seen [insert favorite movie or TV show]?” And if they say they have, my heart will explode and I will just start gushing.

Social skills aren’t the only thing that we can have difficulty with. Some of the hallmark characteristics of autism include having trouble making or keeping friends, not making a lot of eye contact, and speaking in a monotone voice. Please try to add in some symptoms other than just “awkward around people.” Personally, I can only make eye contact with someone if I have a connection to them or if I know them well - and even then it’s so draining. When I try to make eye contact, with anyone else, I look away quickly. It feels strange and difficult and I don’t like it. 

For the love of all things holy, do not use the term “mental r*t*rdation.” It’s outdated and isn’t used anymore by doctors. Plus, you know, the r-word is a slur. 

The world is strange and hard to understand sometimes for us. It feels like allistics have these rules that I have to follow that are so dumb, and sometimes I don’t even know the rules, but I’m expected to follow them anyway. Oftentimes, I will say something that sounds funny in my head, but when it comes out of my mouth it wasn’t funny and no one acknowledges it.

Allistics can be sooooo frustrating. If you’re going to write an autistic person accurately, you’ll want to add in some annoying and unwarranted comments by allistic people. Such as: “You don’t look like you have autism!” “I couldn’t tell you were autistic!” “People with autism are so much better than normal people - they never lie, and are never mean to anyone.” “My child has autism, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m so strong for dealing with them!” “Vaccines cause autism.” 

News flash: Autistic people aren’t angels. We can lie. We can cheat. We can be mean just like anyone else can. It all comes down to the individual. We are not perfect little golden children just because we have autism.

Sheldon Cooper is not a good example of an autistic person. He is just a stereotype. Media either portrays us as super-smart geniuses, or as robots who don’t understand anything that’s going on around us. Don’t perpetuate the stigma.

*the kitten wiggled after him, excited for food* meow meow meow meow meow meow meow meow

°Despite everything, a soft chuckle escaped him. He rinses off the plate the kitten used last time and takes another patty out. He sets it down in front of them. Guess this is your plate now huh?°

"Now you've got me curious, and it doesn't sound like a bad plan.. we'll see what we can find, could be interesting!"

°a thoughtful look crosses their face, but they grin and nod again°

Oi, mates, ow ya goin'? Anythin' interestin' ya're workin' on?

°the camera is focused on you at first, but pans over to Jim°

"I think we're doing ok so far, right Jim?"

°A nod°

"We had a lead on something in the woods, turned out to be a bust though, just an elk yelling. A little disappointing, Jim was hoping it was Mothman- but we aren't discouraged! Something'll show up soon, I can feel it."

*a brief pause*

"Anything interesting happening with you? See anything story-worthy?"

°the camera is pointed at you now°

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(∆I don't understand-∆)

Your ten most recent emojis describe how the 2020s will go for you

*Misfortune reappears.*

°CJ jolts a bit in surprise before fixing them with a stare. You're back.°

∆ :( ∆

:(

This user likes the idea of fangs

Anti anxiety.